TLC (Grauman’s) Chinese Theater Renovation

Hollywood, California

The Grauman’s Chinese Theater was originally completed in 1926. The renovation of this theater consisted of a full stadium seating retrofit, addition of two projection mezzanines, and the third largest IMAX screen in North America. For the lower level stadium seating, the existing elevated cast-in-place concrete slab over the basement was modified to allow the seating to extend into the lower level. The upper stadium seating area was built-up with concrete over Geofoam that was supported by an existing cast-in-place mechanical plenum that required analysis and strengthening.

Challenge

Great care was required to detail new structural elements without disturbing existing historical architectural features. The project required research into structural materials and components from the original 1926 structural design. The addition of two projection mezzanines supported by the existing 120-foot roof trusses required a full analysis and strengthening of these built-up riveted trusses.